Paddle for water sports

ABSTRACT

A paddle includes a paddle shaft having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends. A first paddle blade is coupled with the first end and includes front and back faces. A second paddle blade is coupled with the second end and also includes front and back faces. A first grip is coupled to the second paddle blade front face remote from the paddle shaft second end while a reinforcing spine is provided to the second paddle blade back face. A method is also disclosed.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent applicationNo. 61/605,711 titled “Paddle for water sports” filed Mar. 1, 2012,hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Stand-up paddleboarding is believed to have originated in Hawaii bysurfers standing on long surf boards and using paddles. Unlike surfing,however, paddleboarding can be easier to learn for a wider spectrum ofpeople. Even some surfers enjoy paddleboarding because of itsversatility. For example, paddleboarding can be practiced in stillwaters without surf, and is increasingly being practiced on rivers inwhitewater and other bodies of water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A-C illustrate a side views an example paddle.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of an example paddle blade.

FIG. 3 illustrates a back perspective view of the example paddle bladeof FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of another example paddleblade incorporating a grip feature.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of the example paddle bladeshown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a back perspective view of the example paddle bladeshown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates an end perspective view of the example paddle bladeshown in FIG. 4-6.

FIG. 8 illustrates close up perspective view of an example grip featureon the example paddle blade shown in FIG. 4-9.

FIG. 9A illustrates an example grip.

FIG. 9B illustrates an example grip sleeve.

FIG. 10A illustrates a front view of the example paddle blade of FIGS.4-8.

FIG. 10B illustrates a back view of the example paddle blade of FIGS.4-8.

FIG. 11A illustrates a front view of the example paddle blade of FIGS.4-8 and 10.

FIG. 11B illustrates a side view of the example paddle blade of FIGS.4-8 and 10

FIG. 12 illustrates an example paddle in which the paddle length may beadjusted.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example method of using a paddle.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method of using apaddle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Stand-up paddleboards may be made of glass-reinforced plastics, such asan epoxy resin coated polystyrene foam core. Other boards are made ofhollow wood and epoxy resin. Even inflatable designs are nowcommercially available. Stand-up paddleboards are generally about 9-12feet in length, and may include padded decks, concave hulls, andsurfboard-style fins.

Paddles resembling a long canoe paddle may be used to propel a stand-uppaddleboard through the water. Paddles may be constructed of anycombination of materials. The paddle may use carbon, fiberglass,composite plastic, aluminum, and/or wood, and have a flat blade on oneend connected by a shaft to a handle on the other end. The paddle blademay be approximately 6-12 inches in width while the shaft length mayrange over a variety of sizes depending on the rider's height. Withsizing, a paddle has an overall length approximately 6 inches greaterthan the rider's height but this may vary. The paddle shaft may have anoval or round cross section and be approximately 1-2 inches in diameter.The blades may be any of a variety of shapes, including similar to acanoe paddle (e.g., oval or teardrop shaped, or squared off oval shape),and may have a keel or reinforcing spine formation to add rigidity onthe back side.

With use, while standing on a board, a user holds a paddle with one handon the handle and the other hand approximately one-half to one-third ofthe way down the shaft. The hand placement can alternate depending onwhat side the rider is paddling on. For example, the handle may be heldin the rider's left hand and the shaft may be held with the rider'sright hand when the rider is paddling on the right side of the board.The handle may be held in the rider's right hand and the shaft may beheld with the rider's left hand when the rider is paddling on the leftside of the stand-up paddleboard.

During paddling, the user may place the blade into the waterapproximately 1-3 feet in front of the user's position on the board. Theuser then pulls the paddle back through the water and repeats, similarto paddling a canoe from a standing position.

Paddles used with stand-up paddleboards tend place unnecessarylimitations on the user. Having only one paddle blade limits the user topaddling on only one side of the board, even when sitting or kneeling onthe board. In many circumstances, stand-up paddleboard participantswould find a double bladed paddle useful to achieve maximummaneuverability, speed, versatility, and stroke power. With two paddleblades in addition to a grip, a user may kneel or be seated on apaddleboard and attack the water like a kayaker, or get out and over thelarge waves, also makes learning the sport easier. Alternately using thesingle blade for standing and enjoying the traditional use of a stand-uppaddleboard. Kayak paddles do not provide a suitable grip or handlesolution for a user to paddle from the common standing position.

An example (not shown) has a single grip blade. Another example providesa versatile, double-bladed paddle with a grip at one or both of thepaddle blades. A user of the disclosed examples may choose to use thepaddle while in any paddleboard body position, including but not limitedto laying flat on the rider's belly, kneeling on the board, sitting onthe board, and standing up on the board. In an example, the handle isonly provided on one of the paddles, and only on one side of the paddle.In addition, the handle may be attached to and/or integrated with thepaddle blade face and not on the handle. This example configurationreduces weight, improves hydrodynamics, and functions better for theuser. In another example, the handle is parallel and/or substantiallyparallel to the blade face.

FIGS. 1-12 illustrate an example double-bladed paddle. A user of theexample double-bladed paddle may achieve improved maneuverability, speedand stroke power. With two paddle blades, the user may kneel and paddlein a manner similar to that for kayak use. Additionally, having anintegrated handle allows for use with a single paddle blade for standingand enjoying the use of a stand-up paddleboard. Thus, a user is notlimited by a single-bladed stand-up paddleboard paddle, yet has all ofthe control and precision of a single-bladed stand-up paddleboardpaddle.

Before continuing, it is noted that as used herein, the terms “includes”and “including” mean, but is not limited to, “includes” or “including”and “includes at least” or “including at least.” The term “based on”means “based on” and “based at least in part on.”

With reference to FIG. 1A-C, an example paddle 100 is illustrated inside, back and front views, respectively. Paddle 100 may include apaddle shaft 10 having a longitudinal axis and first 11 and second 12portions including respective first and second ends. Paddle 100 may bemanufactured of a variety of lightweight, strong and durable materialsincluding but not limited to carbon fiber, Kevlar, plastic, andcombinations thereof.

A first paddle blade 20 (FIGS. 1-3) is coupled with paddle shaft 10 atfirst end 11 and includes front 23 and back 24 faces defined, in part,by proximal 21 and distal 22 ends. A second paddle blade 30 (FIGS. 1 and4-12) is coupled with second end 12 and also includes front 33 and back34 faces defined, in part, by proximal 31 and distal 32 ends. Further, afirst grip 50 is provided to front face 33 of second paddle blade 30.

In an example, paddle blades 20 and 30 may be bonded to paddle shaft 10.

While first 20 and second 30 paddle blades may be formed in any of avariety of configurations, including but not limited to flat, offset,curved and offset, the paddle blades illustrated by way of example,include profiles concave towards the front faces. In an exampleconfiguration, a paddle blade may be designed with a minimum 15 degreedraft on the lower surface, a 5 degree draft on the upper surface, and15-20 degrees on the other surfaces. However, all dimensions may bevaried.

In an example, paddle blades may have a feathered angle such that one ofthe first 20 and second 30 paddles is offset at about 45 degrees orsimilar angle from one to the other of the first and second paddles.Thus, the paddle may be more comfortable to use when paddling in akayaking position. In an example, the feather angle of the paddle bladesis fully adjustable.

Features of second paddle blade 30 and grip 50 will now be describedwith particular reference to FIGS. 4-12. First grip 50 may be coupled tosecond paddle blade 30 front face 33 remote from the second end ofpaddle shaft 10. This adjustability is available in an example from theshaft adjustment mechanism. In an example, grip 50 may be removablycoupled to second paddle blade 30 while in another example, grip 50 maybe permanently provided to second paddle blade 30.

In a removable example, grip 50 may be screwed into second paddle blade30. In a permanent example, the second blade and grip may be molded asone integral and monolithic body. While first grip 50 may be provided atany of a variety of locations on second blade 30, in an example, firstgrip 50 is coupled to the second paddle blade near a center of the firstpaddle blade front face 33.

In an example, a paddle 10 has a first grip 50, a projection 40 isformed on front face 33 of second paddle blade 30, and grip 50 iscoupled with projection 40. In the example depicted, projection 40 isformed as an anchoring spine tapering from a height 41 spaced apart fromsecond blade front face 33 to a foot 42 on front face 33. In an example,projection 40 may be post-bonded. The term “post-bonded” is used hereinto mean that the grip is a separate piece that is glued or otherwiseaffixed in to the receiver sleeve on the paddle.

In an example (FIGS. 10 and 11), a lumen 45 may be formed withinprojection 40 and be configured to receive a portion of first grip 50. Asleeve 60 (FIG. 9B) may be selectively provided within lumen 45 forreceiving the mentioned portion of first grip 50. In the illustratedexample, sleeve 60 includes an outer surface 61 including channels orthreads 62 and a lumen 65. Sleeve 60 may be constructed from any of avariety of suitable materials including but not limited to aluminum. Thesleeve may have a cylinder with an internal diameter designed to receivevarious pre-fabricated grip styles that the grip shaft 55 can beinserted into. The grips may also be part of a plastic mold of theentire paddle blade. In this example, the grip can be integrated intothe design without a post-bonded feature.

In an example grip configuration illustrated by way of example in FIG.9A, grip 50 includes a grip shaft portion 55, which, when coupled withpaddle blade 30, may extend within a vertical plane containing thelongitudinal axis of the paddle shaft. In an example, grip shaft portion55 may, more particularly, be located in a co-linear relationship withthe longitudinal axis of paddle shaft 10.

Grip shaft portion 55, configured for insertion into lumen 45 and, in anexample, into sleeve lumen 65 (FIG. 9B), may lend reinforcing supportand rigidity to paddle blade 30. Grip 50 also includes a grip handleportion 51 extending approximately perpendicular to shaft portion 55.Furthermore, when grip 50 is coupled with paddle blade 30, grip handleportion 51 extends within a horizontal plane containing the longitudinalaxis and is spaced apart from paddle blade front face 33 as well asprojection 40.

In another example, grip 50 may rise out of second paddle blade 30 fromlower or higher positions along the blade. Grip 50 may rise further orcloser to front face 33 of paddle blade 30. In other words, the grip mayrise out of the blade or near the shaft, or even rise out near the tipof the blade. The grip may be positioned above or below the positionshown in the drawings.

In an example, the T-grip may be shaped with a longer curve such thatthe T-grip rises out of the paddle blade and is in line with paddleshaft 10. It is noted that the grip does not need to be shaped as a “T”and can have any suitable shape and/or size.

In an example, grip shaft 55 may also be made to extend through secondpaddle blade 33 and handle 51 may be attached to shaft 55 where itterminates in front of the paddle blade front face 33.

While depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4-12 as a T-grip, in an example, grip 50may take the form of a knob, a handle, a loop, or any other suitableshape. In an example, the first grip is provided as an opening in secondpaddle blade 30.

With reference to FIG. 6, in an example, back face 34 of second paddleblade 30 may be provided with a reinforcing spine 35 for added rigidityduring use of first grip 50. In an example, some or most of this ridgemay be removed to improve hydrodynamics. It is noted that any suitablereinforcement pattern may be provided (e.g., on the back side of theblade).

As illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 2 and 3, first blade 20 doesnot include a reinforcing spine. However, a reinforcing spine may beprovided in an example.

In an example, paddle 100 may include a second grip (not shown)operatively coupled remote from the first end of paddle shaft 10. Thesecond grip may be provided to front face 23 of first paddle blade 20 ina manner consistent with placement of first grip 50 or may be providedby other means.

In an example not illustrated, a grip may be provided on a standardpaddle to configure the kayak paddles for use in stand-uppaddleboarding. However, the paddle may not provide the length desiredfor stand-up paddling. Thus, a paddle shaft having an adjustable lengthmay be desirable. With reference to FIG. 12, in an example, paddle shaft10 may be constructed to allow for adjustment of the length of shaft 10.For example, a first portion 11 of shaft 10 may be hollow and have adiameter larger than second portion 12 such that the two are capable ofrelative telescoping to change the paddle length between shorter andlonger configurations.

An example paddle is durable and sturdy, and may use a snugly fit mattecarbon fiber tube 12 bonded inside the first shaft portion 11 with anepoxy or other adhesive. In an example, a hole and retractable pin (notillustrated) may be provided to allow for temporarily securing paddle100 at one of a variety of different lengths. Other means may also beused to provide a paddle having an adjustable length.

In an example, a paddle length may be adjustable using a saw. A paddleblade including a grip such as grip 50 may be removed from paddle shaft10 to enable cutting the shaft to a pre-determined, proper length. Aftercutting, the paddle blade may be reattached to shaft 10 and securedwith, for example, one or more short screws to anchor the paddle bladeto shaft 10.

Before continuing, it should be noted that the examples described aboveand shown in the accompanying drawings are provided for purposes ofillustration, and are not intended to be limiting. Still other examplesare also contemplated.

A method for paddling using a paddle will now be described by way ofexample with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. A user 210 stands on awatercraft such as stand-up paddle board 200 and grips paddle shaft 10with one hand. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the user grips shaft 10 withhis or her right hand. While gripping shaft 10, the user also grips afirst handle 51 provided remote from both the first and second ends ofpaddle shaft 10. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the user grips handle 51with his or her left hand. With both hands gripping the paddle in thisway, the right palm and the left palm lie in orthogonal planes.

While holding the paddle with both hands, the user may place firstpaddle blade 20 underwater or partially underwater and pull paddle shaft10 to move paddleboard 200 and the rider 210 relative to the water. Asillustrated, it may be necessary to position paddle shaft 10 such thatfirst paddle blade 20 is below first handle 51.

While FIG. 13 depicts use of the paddle in a standing position. Ofcourse, propelling a paddleboard or other watercraft with the disclosedpaddle may be accomplished while the user is in any of a variety ofpositions including but not limited to a seated position.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flow diagram of the example method described. Auser grips a paddle shaft with one hand in step S310. The user grips afirst handle in step S320. The user places the first paddle partiallyunderwater in step S330 and pulls paddle shaft 10 in step S340 to move awatercraft relative to the water.

Because the paddle has two blades, a user may alternatively grip thepaddle shaft with both hands in step S360 and insert one paddle bladeand then the other into the water in alternating fashion in step S360 toalternately pull the paddle shaft with each hand in step S370. For someusers, this may be most conveniently accomplished from the seatedposition while others may be prefer to perform alternating paddling froma standing or kneeling position.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, a user may change between using one paddleblade and using both paddle blades after any number of iterations ofeither technique. It should be noted that some steps illustrated may beeliminated or performed in a different order. For example, a user mayperform steps S350, S360 and S370 before performing steps S310-S340.

While described herein as being for use in stand-up paddle water sports,the disclosed paddle is not limited to this use and, in fact, may beused for any activity that takes place on the water.

It is noted that in an example, there is no need for the user to have tochange out different attachments when alternating paddling styles. Thisallows the user to seamlessly transition between paddling styles, duringuse (e.g., “on the fly”). The user is also able to get out of the impactzone while surfing, and then quickly catch a wave (e.g., from thestanding position). The user may also navigate the board more safelythrough rough whitewater. The paddle may also enable the user to getdown low and out of the wind during use.

It is noted that the examples shown and described are provided forpurposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Stillother examples are also contemplated.

1. A paddle, comprising: a paddle shaft having a longitudinal axis andfirst and second ends; a first paddle blade coupled with the first end,the first paddle blade having front and back faces; a second paddleblade coupled with the second end, the second paddle blade having frontand back faces; and a first grip projecting from the second paddle bladefront face remote from the paddle shaft second end.
 2. A paddle,comprising: a paddle shaft having a longitudinal axis and first andsecond ends; a first paddle blade coupled with the first end, the firstpaddle blade having front and back faces; a second paddle blade coupledwith the second end, the second paddle blade having front and backfaces; and a first grip operatively coupled remote from the paddle shaftfirst and second ends.
 3. The paddle of claim 2, wherein the first gripis coupled to the second paddle blade front face near a center of thesecond paddle blade front face.
 4. The paddle of claim 2, wherein thefirst grip is removably coupled to the second paddle blade.
 5. Thepaddle of claim 2, wherein the first grip is a knob, a handle, or aloop.
 6. The paddle of claim 2, wherein the first grip is an opening inthe second paddle blade.
 7. The paddle of claim 2, further comprising: asecond grip operatively coupled remote from the first grip.
 8. Thepaddle of claim 2, wherein a projection is formed on the front face ofthe second paddle blade and the grip is coupled with the projection, andwherein the blades, the grips, and the paddle shaft are formed as anintegral, single piece unit.
 9. The paddle of claim 8, wherein theprojection further comprises: a lumen configured to receive a portion ofthe first grip.
 10. The paddle of claim 9, further comprising: a sleeveconfigured for receipt within the lumen and for receiving the portion ofthe first grip.
 11. The paddle of claim 8, wherein the projectioncomprises an anchoring spine.
 12. The paddle of claim 11, wherein theanchoring spine tapers into the front face from a height spaced apartfrom the front face.
 13. The paddle of claim 2, wherein the first gripfurther comprises: a grip shaft portion extending within a first planecontaining the longitudinal axis of the paddle shaft.
 14. The paddle ofclaim 13, wherein the first grip further comprises: a grip handleportion extending approximately perpendicular to the first grip shaftportion.
 15. The paddle of claim 14, wherein the grip handle portionextends within a second plane containing the longitudinal axis andspaced apart from the second paddle blade front face.
 16. The paddle ofclaim 14, wherein the grip handle portion is spaced apart from theprojection.
 17. A method comprising: providing a paddle shaft havingfirst and second ends; providing a first handle remote from the paddleshaft first and second ends; providing a paddle blade on the paddleshaft second end; and wherein pulling the paddle shaft and paddle blademoves a watercraft relative to water.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein a user's palms are oriented in orthogonal plans when graspingthe paddle shaft and the first handle, respectively for each of theuser's palms.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising positioningthe paddle shaft with the paddle blade below the first handle.
 20. Themethod of claim 17, wherein a user operating a paddle: changes fromgripping the first handle with the first hand to gripping the paddleshaft with the first hand; alternately places the paddle blade providedon the paddle shaft second end and a paddle blade provided on the paddleshaft first end partially underwater; and alternately pulls the paddleshaft with first hand when the paddle blade provided on the paddle shaftfirst end is partially underwater, and pulls the paddle shaft with thesecond hand when the paddle blade provided on the paddle shaft secondend is partially underwater.